We're laying in bed, clinging onto one another. I'm wearing his T-Shirt and baggy trackies that smell of him. Every time that specific smell wafts into my nose, I feel at home. I feel safe.

Hayden is only in his boxers, allowing me to see his body for the first time. My hands wander across his hairy chest and flat stomach, all while he watches me with a heavy beating heart. I notice his throat moves as he gulps, but I pretend not to notice and instead go in for a kiss. He gladly meets me halfway and holds me tightly, like he's afraid I'll disappear into thin air if he lets go.

My tired eyes start to grow heavy. My blinks start to slow. Hayden must notice this, because he suddenly presses a couple of kisses on my forehead and pulls me into his chest where I rest peacefully.

"I really like you," he whispers to me.

A small smile tugs at my cheeks. "I really like you too."

His chest expands and he hugs me tighter. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for you to say that."

I kiss his chest. "Goodnight. Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Sierra."

The night is long and warm, it feels like I've slept for an entire day. By the time I wake, I feel so comfortable and have a desire to stay in this bed for much longer. I look at my nightstand that holds my belongings. A phone, a drinks bottle and a wallet. Hayden cleared off the stand, just for me, because he wants me to feel at home. He offers me drinks and food, he offers his shower and toilet facilities. His family tell me the exact same. I've never felt more welcomed.

"Good morning," Hayden mumbles to me. His hair is a complete mess, yet still good looking. His eyes are red and puffy, further proving that he's just awoke. "Did you have a good sleep?"

"It's was the best nights sleep I've had in a long time," I tell him truthfully.

"That's good." He's smiling tiredly before he whips off the covers, but leaves some covering me. "I'm going to have a shower and then make brekkie. Would you like something?"

"What do you have?"

"Toast and cereal."

"I'll come down with you after your shower and give you a hand. I'll make you a cuppa if you'd like?"

Hayden's face glows. "Really?"

My cheeks grow bigger with my smile. "Of course."

"That would be really nice. Thank you."

He leaves to have a shower. I take the time to look around his room, smiling at the fact that he designed it all. Something about being in his room feels special. It's a part of him. It's a privilege to be able to experience this, because not many will. I hope I'm the only girlfriend who steps foot in here and sleeps in this bed.

I look at the lights dangled around his room. I stand in front of the pictures hung up, taking the time to fully notice their beauty. I run my fingers over his painted desk that he created himself. In everything I see, I see Hayden.

While he's preoccupied in the shower, I make the bed, I fold his blanket, I put his cups and bowls in the dishwasher downstairs and then I chuck some food wrappers in the bin. I look at the finished product, happy that I'm finally able to do something for Hayden, even if it isn't much. He often tells me that he's so busy, he can't find enough time to fully clean his room or give his beard a shave. I hope I can help with that. I want to be able to help him. After all, it's the least I can do.

I'm sat with my phone in my hand when Hayden enters the room. His body is wrapped in a towel, his hair is still wet. It's stuck up in a spiked position, making it look like he has a mohican.

"Cute hair," I tell him in a humorous tone.

He shoots me a knowing grin. "Thank you." Then he finally looks around his room. I watch as realisation sets into his face. "You cleaned my room."

I nod my head casually.

Hayden breaks out in a smile, like I've given him the world. "Thank you so much. You didn't have to do that."

"I wanted to," I assure him, copying the same words he used last night.

He leans over to kiss me on the forehead, but while doing so, his towel accidentally opens and reveals his body. Hayden smiles awkwardly and tries not to laugh. I slap my hand against my mouth and attempt to not do the same. We both end up failing and laughing together.

"Sorry about that," he apologises, still in a fit of laughter.

"Don't apologise," I assure him. "I was going to see it at some point."

"Well at least that's over with now. No more worrying about it."

I lean back on my elbows and gaze at him as he stares out his window. "Why were you worrying about it?"

Hayden looks at me. "I was worried that you'd break up with me."

I laugh ten times louder. "Why would I ever break up with you over that?"

"You might think I'm disgusting. I'm self conscious," he explains while smiling slightly, seemingly relieved by my reaction.

I get up and walk over to where he's standing, still clutching his towel to his body. I dangle my arms over his shoulders and bring him in for a kiss. "Trust me, you shouldn't be. Everything about you is perfect."

His eyes glimmer. I can practically hear his heart drumming against his chest. "Do you mean that?"

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't. I like you. Every part of you." I stroke his hair and caress his cheek. "And trust me on this. I would never ever break up with you. Especially not over something like that. I'm in the for the long run, okay?"

He nods his head, not even trying to hide his blushed cheeks from me. "Brekkie?"

"Lead the way."

We head down his stairs and walk into the kitchen. I stand awkwardly, unsure what to do with myself as he grabs a bowl from the cupboard and begins to pour chocolate kraves in it.

"What would you like?" he asks.

"Umm." I press my lips together and pick my fingers. "Toast?"

Before I know it, he's stood in front of me, peeling my hands away from each other. He looks down at the skin on my fingers, at the red, sore parts. I try to pull them away quickly, embarrassment consuming me, but Hayden refuses to let go. He looks me in the eye and doesn't say anything, but instead lifts my hands to his mouth and presses light kisses on them. A warmth spreads in my stomach at the feel of his lips against my skin, at the sight of him caring for me in a such a way.

"Of course you can have toast," he tells me softly. He doesn't push me to explain, he doesn't yell at me, he doesn't judge me. All he does is love me. "What would you like on it?"

I look at the floor and clear my throat. "Jam please."

"Coming right up."

Hayden turns and grabs some bread before chucking it into the toaster. I head to the kettle and flick it on before grabbing a mug out of the cupboard. He watches me as I put a teabag and sugar into a mug, smiling as I do so.

"I'm sorry," I tell him.

He's silent for a few seconds. "What for?"

"For what you saw. I'm embarrassed."

"Why are you embarrassed?"

I shrug my shoulders and stir his tea. "People find it disgusting."

"It's not disgusting," he assures me. "But I wish you wouldn't do that. You could hurt yourself by doing that."

"Not really."

"You could," he tells me with a serious expression. "Why do you do it? I never noticed before."

I shrug my shoulders. "Bad habit."

Hayden places my plate of toast in front of me. I place his mug of tea in front of him.

"Kisses would be better. They work just as well and are a lot more soothing," he tells me.

I smirk. "Kisses?"

"Yes. I'll give you kisses instead. Like this." He lifts my hands and returns them to his lips where he covers them in gentle kisses. "Does that make you feel better?"

Butterflies and comfort spreads across my entire body. "Yes," I whisper with a wide smile consuming my face. He mirrors my expression.

"There you go then. You've got yourself a bargain there."

I chuckle and follow him back up the stairs. "Yes, I do."

"Sierra," Kat's voice calls from behind me. I'm midway up the stairs when I halt and turn back to see her stood at the bottom with a warm smile plastered on her face. "Can I borrow you quickly?"

"Um...yeah." I awkwardly pass my plate to Hayden. "Could you?"

He takes it without hesitation. "Have fun."

"Thanks," I whisper before rushing down the stairs, not wanting to keep Kat waiting.

She smiles at me as we head to her study. "He's a sweetheart."

"He really is," I agree.

"Did I hear you making him a cup of tea?" she hums with a knowing grin pulling on her cheeks.

"I did. It's the least I could do."

Kat opens the door to her study and holds it for me. "That was a very sweet thing of you to do. You're a good girlfriend."

My cheeks blush at the unexpected comment. Sometimes I need to hear that, because a lot of the time I doubt myself. "Thank you. I do try."

"Well you're doing a good job. I'm glad you've got each other." She brings me to one of the mannequins that's covered in a beautiful, short dress. It's held at the shoulders with a thin strap. The material changes from silk to a see-through one that squeezes tightly against the body. Patterns of dark flowers are sewn into the emerald green outfit.

It's beautiful. And it's my design.

"Woah," I whisper. My fingers trail along the fabric, my mind still refuses to believe that I designed this and that Hayden's mum created it. Her work is, and always has been, spectacular.

"I know. I don't like to toot my own horn, but it's one of my best pieces." She chuckles before smiling gratefully in my direction. "I want to create more of your designs, if you'll let me."

My eyes widen and my jaw drops without me realising. "Seriously?"

Kat chuckles again. She's always been a happy, bubbly person. "Of course. I'd love for you to work for me."

"You're offering me a job?"

She nods her head slowly. "I am indeed."

My face beams in the space of a split second. I feel like I'm riding a cloud, like birds are singing melodies and all is good. "I'd love that."

"I'm glad. It'll be good to spend a bit more time with you. I've obviously known you for years, but I don't know you as well as I want to, especially now that you and Hayden are dating."

"I'd really like that," I agree.

And just like that, I'm working for my boyfriend's mum — something that none of us ever expected to happen, but I'm pleased it did, because not only do I have an amazing boss, it also gives me the opportunity to grow closer to her. Hayden will be pleased.